There is one way in this country in which all men are created equalโthere is one human institution that makes a pauper the equal of a Rockefeller, the stupid man the equal of an Einstein, and the ignorant man the equal of any college president. That institution, gentlemen, is the court.
Harper LeeI never expected any sort of success with 'Mockingbird'... I sort of hoped someone would like it enough to give me encouragement.
Harper LeeYou just hold your head high and keep those fists down. No matter what anybody says to you, don't you let 'em get your goat. Try fighting with your head for a change...
Harper LeeWe're paying the highest tribute you can pay a man. We trust him to do right. It's that simple.
Harper LeeIt's not necessary to tell all you know. It's not ladylike -- in the second place, folks don't like to have someone around knowin' more than they do. It aggravates them. Your not gonna change any of them by talkin' right, they've got to want to learn themselves, and when they don't want to learn there's nothing you can do but keep your mouth shut or talk their language.
Harper Lee